Best Nursing Schools in Wyoming
Whether you're a lifelong resident of Wyoming or considering a move to the wide-open landscapes and rugged beauty of the Equality State, there's no better time to embark on a nursing career. Nationwide, nursing positions are projected to grow significantly in the coming years, and Wyoming is no exception. By 2030, the state is expected to see steady growth in nursing opportunities, making it an ideal location for those entering the field. If you're ready to take advantage of this trend, the information below will help guide your journey.
2027 Best Nursing Schools in Wyoming
Registerednursing.org has ranked the best nursing schools in Wyoming based exclusively on NCLEX pass rates. These rankings help prospective students evaluate program quality and outcomes. Our comprehensive analysis covers multiple years of pass-rate data. The methodology is available at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Pass rates improved significantly from 2022 to 2023 and remained stable in 2024. Student numbers remained steady.
- 2022: 82.82% average pass rate (326 students)
- 2023: 95.02% average pass rate (301 students)
- 2024: 94.79% average pass rate (326 students)
Top Performing Schools
The top three programs all achieved average pass rates above 93%, indicating strong educational outcomes.
- Central Wyoming College: 96.47% average pass rate (85 students over 3 years)
- Casper College: 95.21% average pass rate (146 students over 3 years)
- University of Wyoming: 93.44% average pass rate (183 students over 3 years)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Medium-sized programs outperformed smaller programs in average pass rate. Both categories remained above 90%, indicating effective preparation.
- Small (<50 students/year): 91.77% average pass rate (170 students)
- Medium (50-100 students/year): 97.54% average pass rate (122 students)
Consistently High Performing Schools
Five Wyoming nursing schools maintained average pass rates above 90% across multiple years, demonstrating reliable performance.
- Central Wyoming College: 96.47% average pass rate (85 students over 3 years)
- Casper College: 95.21% average pass rate (146 students over 3 years)
- University of Wyoming: 93.44% average pass rate (183 students over 3 years)
- Western Wyoming Community College: 93.27% average pass rate (104 students over 3 years)
- Laramie County Community College: 92.00% average pass rate (175 students over 3 years)
Central Wyoming College
Riverton, WY - Public 4-Year - cwc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Associate Degree in Nursing at Central Wyoming College is a campus-based program that prepares students for RN licensure. The 65-credit curriculum combines classroom instruction, hands-on skills training in simulation labs, and direct patient care clinical starting in the first semester. Students learn through team-based activities, case studies, and technology-enhanced tools. Coursework covers health promotion, chronic and acute illness care, pharmacology, and complex illness management. Graduates take the NCLEX and enter the workforce in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The program offers a streamlined pathway to a BSN and an LPN-to-RN completion option. With small cohorts, preceptorship in the final semester, and ACEN accreditation, this ADN builds a strong foundation for a nursing career.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Wyoming State Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 65 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-03-01
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 100% job placement rate
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
Casper College
Casper, WY - Public 2-Year - caspercollege.edu
Associate - Nursing A.D.N.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Casper College's Associate Degree in Nursing is a two-year, campus-based program that prepares students for registered nurse licensure through the NCLEX-RN. The statewide curriculum covers professional nursing care across health promotion, chronic illness, acute care, and complex conditions. Students build skills through simulated labs and live practicums in a variety of healthcare settings, with most clinical facilities within five miles of campus. Prerequisites include English, college algebra, human anatomy, and a nursing boot camp. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Graduates can transfer seamlessly to the University of Wyoming to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing online. An LPN advanced placement pathway is available for licensed practical nurses. With 13-14 credit hours per semester, the program can be completed in two academic years.
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Year program
- Complete in two academic years
- 68 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Seamless transfer to University of Wyoming
- Clinical sites within five miles of campus
- Simulated labs and live practicums
- LPN advanced placement option
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY - Public 4-Year - uwyo.edu
Bachelor's - Basic BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wyoming's Basic BSN is a four-year, on-campus program designed for recent high school graduates pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum begins with two semesters of pre-clinical coursework, followed by six semesters of clinical training. Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art classrooms and the Clinical Simulation Center, with clinical placements primarily in Laramie and Cheyenne. The senior year includes a capstone practicum that may require travel to other Wyoming communities. With a small cohort of up to 48 students per year, the program offers personalized attention and a supportive atmosphere. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX and become registered nurses, entering a rewarding field with diverse career opportunities. Two admission paths—freshman and non-freshman—provide flexibility, and the HESI A2 exam is required for admission.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 4-Year program
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Small school atmosphere
- State-of-the-art simulation center
- Capstone practicum in senior spring
- Clinical sites in Laramie and Cheyenne
Sheridan College-Northern Wyoming Community College District
Sheridan, WY - Public 4-Year - sheridan.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Sheridan College's Associate Degree in Nursing is a two-year, hands-on program that prepares students for RN licensure and a career in nursing. The curriculum, part of Wyoming's ReNEW statewide nursing framework, covers medical-surgical, critical care, pediatrics, mental health, and more. Students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs at the Perkins Health Science Center, using high-fidelity manikins and virtual reality. Clinical rotations at regional hospitals and clinics provide real-world experience. A unique partnership with the University of Wyoming allows seamless transition to a BSN. Graduates enjoy strong job placement and enter fields like women's health, oncology, and public health.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Wyoming State Board of Nursing accredited
- 2-Year program
- Starts fall
- 100% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Hands-on training in simulation centers
- Clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities
- Partnership with University of Wyoming for BSN
Wyoming Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
Are you ready to take the first steps toward becoming a registered nurse but unsure where to begin? The path you choose will largely depend on your professional aspirations and current educational background. Many aspiring nurses in Wyoming opt for an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) because of their relatively low cost and efficient timelines. Explore the distinctions between these options and other nursing pathways in the sections below to find the best fit for your goals.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN to RN vs. ADN Programs
If you’re new to the field of nursing and seeking the quickest path to start your career, an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) might be your best option. ADN programs, along with nursing diplomas, typically take one to two years to complete, making them ideal for those eager to enter the workforce quickly. For those who already have experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), enrolling in an LPN to RN bridge program can accelerate your journey, allowing you to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in less time.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Wyoming include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Wyoming.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN to BSN vs. ABSN Programs
At the entry level, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the most appealing degree to employers, as it provides comprehensive education and training. A traditional BSN program typically takes about four years to complete. However, if you already have nursing experience and hold an RN license, an RN to BSN program offers a faster route to earning your degree. For individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field who wish to transition into nursing, Accelerated BSN programs are an excellent option, allowing you to pivot into the profession in a shorter timeframe.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Wyoming typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page. Looking for distance learning? Check out online BSN programs.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
For RN bridge programs visit:
Wyoming RN to BSN programs can be a real lifeline to nurses who are already working in the field and want to secure a little more training. If you have an ADN, an RN license, and a little experience in the field, you can enroll in this bridge program and get your BSN degree in only two years. This is around half the time that it takes to complete a traditional BSN program.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Some students may decide later on in their careers that nursing might be a better fit. If you have a bachelor’s degree already and you’d like to switch your major to nursing, you can easily do this through a Wyoming ABSN program which can take as little as a year to complete.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For some students, graduate school is the ultimate goal. A Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are all great options for students looking to increase their value as a job applicant along with higher salaries and more independence. The typical admissions requirements for nursing graduate programs are a BSN (or higher) and an RN license.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Wyoming:
- Wyoming Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Wyoming MSN Program
- Wyoming RN to MSN Programs
- Wyoming Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Wyoming DNP Programs
See Related Articles
Getting an RN License in Wyoming
Following your education, getting licensed as an RN is a crucial step in your career. To become licensed in Wyoming, you’ll need to graduate with at least an ADN, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and submit an application to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. After you’re licensed, you’ll need to complete continuing education to keep your license current and meet the state’s renewal requirements.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Wyoming
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Wyoming Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
Crucial to receiving licensure is graduating from an accredited program. RN program accreditation in the US is handled by both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If a program is accredited by one of these two programs, it means that it has passed the state’s requirements concerning training and curriculum. If it has not been accredited, you will not be able to get licensed upon graduation.
Cities With Nursing Programs in Wyoming
List of Nursing Schools in Wyoming
Casper, WY
Casper College
- Associate - Nursing A.D.N.
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Year program
- Complete in two academic years
- 68 total credit hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Seamless transfer to University of Wyoming
- Clinical sites within five miles of campus
Laramie, WY
University of Wyoming
- Bachelor's - Basic BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 4-Year program
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Small school atmosphere
- State-of-the-art simulation center
Riverton, WY
Central Wyoming College
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Wyoming State Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 65 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-03-01
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 100% job placement rate
Sheridan, WY
Sheridan College-Northern Wyoming Community College District
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Wyoming State Board of Nursing accredited
- 2-Year program
- Starts fall
- 100% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Hands-on training in simulation centers
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